I was saddened this morning by the news in the on-line version of the New York Times with the obituary notice of Frank O. Braynard, 91.

The South Street Seaport Museum is located on the East River just south of the Brooklyn Bridge, offices and museum in a row of buildings built in 1817, and three piers on the river. The Museum was the last stop on scouting's 5-mile long Old New York Historical Trail. As a scout, our troop got to do several service projects at the South Street Seaport, and in return, got to sleep on the Ambrose Light Ship on two different weekends.

I got to meet Mr. Braynard after I became a volunteer weekend tour guide at the museum. I was young, and he was a classic gentleman -friendly and kind, and quite supportive of an excited youth.

During the planing for Operation Sail '76, I got to visit him at his offices in the World Trade Center. I needed the "Parade list" of ships, to identify the vessels in my slides. It was a great July 4th event!

He wrote some classic books of early 20th century ocean liners, and the Times obituarly by Dennis Hevesi noted that much of his maritime memorabilia had been donated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, where he served as museum curator from 1980-2000.

Although we have not meet for over twenty years, I'll miss him, and knowing he was around being helpful.

About the Author George Cuhaj has been with the Krause Publications numismatic team since 1994. He is editor of the various editions of the Standard Catalog of World Coins and the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money. Prior to joining KP, Cuhaj was employed by the American Numismatic Society and Stack's Rare Coins, both of New York City. He is a Fellow in both the Royal Numismatic Society and the American Numismatic Society. He also is a life member and past board member of the International Bank Note Society. Cuhaj was elected an Allied Professional Member of the National Sculpture Society and has had his medallic work exhibited internationally.